Nova Peak If you must work, work to leave some part of you on this earth

Rather than the reproach he excepted, Thade found his mother low with him, despairing and apologetic, bringing him into unfamiliar territory. He stiffened, as if expecting her teeth, but when he could only feel her closeness, and her need, the adolescent softened. No, Mama, he breathed, fussing over her ears with his nose. I’m sorry… but I know better now, ok? I won’t mess up like that again.
 
He nuzzled his head down underneath her chin and laid his large, narrow head upon her slender forelegs. And I’m not scared like them idiot newcomers, Mama. I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure Sagtannet’s safe, I promise, he vowed, feeling that disloyalty would cost him whatever love and respect she had for him, as it had cost the others who had spoken against her. He didn’t think it would matter that he was her only son — not if she could not trust him to have her back at all costs.